Microtox, SPF, and Skin Confidence: The Future of Beauty is Korean

Video Summary

The world of skincare is often dominated by fleeting trends, aggressive marketing, and a patchwork of advice that rarely yields long-term results. But in this insightful conversation from The Late Late Aesthetic Show, host Vanessa Brown sits down with Dr. Christine Hall—a UK-based aesthetic doctor and pharmacist with Korean heritage, to uncover the enduring truths and innovations rooted in Korean skincare culture.

Why Korea Is a Decade Ahead in Beauty Innovation

Dr. Hall reveals that South Korea is often 10–12 years ahead of the global curve when it comes to beauty advancements. One striking example is the viral PDRN “salmon sperm facial,” which only recently gained traction in the UK despite being available in Korea since 2014. This trend isn’t an outlier—exosomes and other biotechnological skincare treatments have been long-established in Korean clinics.

But Korea’s edge isn’t just about technological firsts. It’s cultural. As Dr. Hall explains, skincare in Korea is not a luxury—it’s an everyday ritual and an integral part of one’s upbringing. Growing up with summers in Seoul, Dr. Hall was immersed in skincare rituals from an early age, watching her grandmother and aunts tap lotions into their skin—a technique known as “tkock,” believed to aid absorption and blood flow.

The Philosophy of Skin: Less Aggression, More Nurturing

Korean skincare is rooted in barrier-first philosophy. Unlike the West, which often celebrates the redness and peeling associated with harsh actives like retinoids as a sign of progress, Korean routines emphasise calming, hydrating, and nurturing the skin. Dr. Hall notes that only recently has Korea begun integrating potent actives such as vitamin C and retinol into products, and even then, the integration is cautious and balanced.

This cultural difference also extends to the pace of treatment. In Korea, individuals seek medical or dermatological intervention earlier and more frequently than in the UK. It’s not necessarily that Korean consumers don’t suffer from acne or pigmentation; they’re simply more proactive and consistent in addressing concerns.

Deconstructing the Myth of the 10-Step Routine

The “10-step Korean skincare routine” may be a viral phenomenon, but as Dr. Hall clarifies, it’s largely a Western marketing creation. In Korea, the average person uses about seven products—still substantial, but far from overwhelming. The basics include double cleansing (an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based foaming cleanser), toner, essence, serum, moisturiser, eye cream, and SPF.

Importantly, Dr. Hall underscores the rising quality of Korean SPFs. Many of them are based on superior formulations developed by a single powerhouse manufacturer, Kolmar, which supplies the base formulas to numerous brands. Korean SPFs tend to be lightweight, broad-spectrum, and leave no white cast—a reason why they’re now being eagerly adopted in Western markets.

Science Meets Tradition: From Microtox to Skin Boosters

One of the most exciting treatments discussed is “microtox”—a fine-tuned evolution of baby Botox. Popular in Korea, microtox involves injecting small amounts of Botox superficially to smooth the skin, reduce oiliness, and even out redness without affecting deeper muscle movement. It’s gaining attention for its ability to give the coveted “glass skin” appearance without freezing expressions.

Dr. Hall also praises skin boosters and microneedling (particularly using SkinPen) as game-changing treatments for texture and glow. These treatments, when combined with a well-rounded at-home routine, offer transformative results without the obvious markers of aesthetic intervention.

Skincare Should Be Personal, Not Just Popular

With TikTok and Instagram flooding feeds with skincare “hacks” and viral products, Dr. Hall warns against the one-size-fits-all mentality. Trends like slugging might work wonders for dry skin, but can be disastrous for acne-prone individuals. Her advice is grounded: get to know your skin, seek professional guidance, and avoid impulsive product-hopping. It takes 8–12 weeks for most skin care routines to show results, so consistency is key.

Food, Lifestyle, and Radiant Skin

Korean skincare’s concept of soang—glow from within—illustrates a holistic view of beauty that incorporates diet and lifestyle. While Dr. Hall doesn’t advocate extreme dietary restrictions, she supports mindful eating and hydration, noting that small changes like reducing refined sugars can significantly improve skin health.

Christine’s Picks and Final Wisdom

If given £60 and 60 seconds in a Korean beauty store, Dr. Hall would grab the Belif Aqua Bomb for hydration and VT Reedle Shot—a topical micro-spicule treatment inspired by microneedling. She also swears by double cleansing and a solid SPF as non-negotiables.

Her final message is clear: skincare doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. The key is understanding your own skin, resisting the pressure of fads, and being consistent with treatments and routines that actually serve your needs.

Remember: Real skin is radiant, and the glow starts from within.